Description
Science software includes operating systems and applications, procedures and accompanying documentation based on scientific insights and meant for a group of general users.
Explanation
This indicator pertains to software, digital media and serious games meant primarily for a general public of interested persons. These are all products based on scientific/scholarly insights, presented and/or communicated in an environment or through a channel that is accessible to broader societal groups. Examples include apps and websites for users and visitors interested in history, language and philosophy.
Software, digital media and serious games may qualify as hybrid if they are meant not only for peers but also for professional and/or general users. If this is demonstrably the case, then these results are included under the indicators in Cell 1, Research products for peers. They can be reported a second time here in the narrative, where there is an opportunity to explain the interaction and/or interweaving of research and societal impact and relevance so typical of the humanities.
Usefulness
This indicator can be operationalised using various criteria to demonstrate – with arguments – the importance of the products. The criteria are:
- innovative nature
- complexity
- reach/applicability
- importance and reputation of channel
- role of research unit and/or researchers in producing the output